What does paperclip mean?
A paperclip is a small, usually metal fastener used to keep sheets of paper together. Its most familiar form consists of a continuous wire bent back on itself so that it can grip one or more sheets without damaging them. The word is common in offices, schools, homes, and administrative settings, where it represents a quick, inexpensive, and reusable way to organize documents. “Paperclip” is also used as a verb, as in “She paper-clipped the notes to the wall,” although the noun is much more common. Although the design appears simple, the standard Gem-style clip became an important twentieth-century office product and is widely recognized by its looping shape. The word is informal in tone but neutral in meaning, with no substantial regional difference between standard British and American usage.
A small metal or plastic fastener bent into a loop and used to hold sheets of paper together.
"Please put the documents in a folder rather than leaving them loose with a paperclip."
The closed compound “paperclip” and the open form “paper clip” are both standard.
To fasten or secure something with a paperclip.
"He paper-clipped the receipt to the invoice."
The verb is less common than the noun and is often used in the hyphenated form “paper-clipped” or “paper-clipping.”
The standard plural is “paperclips”; “paper clips” is also accepted, particularly as a two-word spelling.
"She gathered the paperclips from the desk."
The familiar Gem paperclip was patented in 1899 by Norwegian inventor Johan Vaaler, whose looping design became one of the simplest and most enduring fastening devices in offices worldwide.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paperclip come from?
“Paperclip” is a compound word formed from “paper” and “clip,” combining the material it commonly fastens with the object used to hold it. The compound became established in the late nineteenth century, alongside the development of the modern metal paperclip. Its familiar Gem-style design was patented by Norwegian inventor Johan Vaaler in 1899.
Related word forms
How paperclip is actually used
As a noun, “paperclip” is standard in both British and American English; “paper clip” is also common, especially when the two words are written separately. As a verb, it is generally informal and is less frequent than the noun.